Couple Therapy, an Introduction

elective courses

The content of Introduction to Couple Therapy Course is divided into two sections. The first 3 classes cover the theoretical basis of different approaches in CT, while classes 4-7 discuss the particular difficulties that are often a reason for the couples to report to the therapy.

The course in meant to give a very basic insight to specifics of couple therapy (CT). The first three classes cover the theoretical basis of psychodynamic, cognitive - behavioral and systemic approach to couple therapy. The focus in put strongly on modern ways of performing CT within every theoretical stance (current psychodynamic thinking, CBT third wave approaches and narrative therapy for couples).

The second part of the course discusses the clinical issues that are frequently a reason to report to the couple therapy. During those classes we will try to describe and discuss particular understanding and specific techniques, characteristic to different theoretical approaches to: developmental crisis in couple’s life, affairs, violence and sexual dysfunctions.

At the end of the course the students will be able to:

 Describe the basic processes of couple relations in terms of psychodynamic, cognitive – behavioral and systemic theories,

 Compare different couple therapy approaches and techniques,

 Describe interventions, based on different theoretical backgrounds, that would be adequate in treatment of particular couple’s problems.